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Biopsychology Endocrine System, Spec Point 3 and Spec Pt 4 (flight or flight response and role of adrenaline) - see also written notes for whiteboard and labelling diagram in onenote
Define the endocrine system
the system of glands that produce hormones to regulate and control bodily activities. Hormones are secreted into the blood stream as a result of the glands detecting a change in the bodily environment
Define Negative Feedback
a mechanism by which a system regulates itself to achieve homeostasis
Where is the hypothalamus located
centre of the brain
what is the function of the hypothalamus?
produces hormones that increase or decrease release in the Pituitary gland
Where is the Pituitary gland located
pea size gland at base of the brain
what is the function of the pituitary gland
regulates hormones produced by the other glands and also produces growth hormone
Where is the thyroid gland located
front of the neck, below voice box
What is the function of the thyroid gland
produces thyroxine which controls body growth and development, weight and energy
Where is the adrenal gland located
the top of each kidney
what is the function of the adrenal gland
Releases adrenalin which deals with stress and illness and maintaining blood pressure
Where is the pancreas located
behind the stomach
What is the function of the pancreas
behind the stomach
What is the function of the pancreas
makes and releases insulin for blood glucose control
Where are the ovaries located
the uterus
What is the function of the ovaries
produce estrogen and progesterone to regulate the menstrual cycle
When does fight or flight occur
during high stress. fear or exitement
What happens when the body detects a stimulus related to fight or flight
neurons of the sympathetic nervous system stimulate the adrenal medula
What does the adrenal medula release during fight or flight
Adrenaline and ATP
What is the role of ATP in fight or flight
a short term energy molecule to give strong bursts of energy
Where are the adrenaline and ATP released to during fight or flight
Released into the bloodstream to move to the target organs
What are the increasing physiological changes in fight or flight
increased heart rate to get more blood to target muscles
increased rate of aerobic respiration
What are the decreasing physiological changes in fight or flight
blood vessels to less important organs constrict
stops digestion and urination processes
What may someone feel after the danger passes and fight or flight is no longer needed
exhausted, sick and/or very hungry
why may someone feel these effects after fight or flight has passed
Because lots of energy was used and because the parasympathetic nervous system is now working to bring the body back to a state of homeostasis
What can happen if the energy produced in fight or flight response isnt used?
high cortisol (chornic stress) levels may occur and lead to supression of the immune system
What mental health disorder is as a result of constant fight or flight
anxiety
